Do you want to help improve services for youth with mental illness, but aren't sure how to start?

Do you want to develop the skills to be a voice for your patients and your profession?

Become an Advocacy Liaison
Any AACAP member interested in becoming better engaged with mental health advocacy and adding your voice to AACAP’s advocacy efforts is invited to join the Advocacy Liaison (AL) Network. Advocacy Liaisons freely participate in monthly calls to learn about the latest state and federal initiatives and effective strategies to organize grassroots activities in your regional organization. If you are interested in becoming an Advocacy Liaison, please contact govaffairs@aacap.org. Learn more about the role of an AL.

AACAP-developed tools allow you to hone your advocacy skills, learn about policy issues and get involved.

State Advocacy Toolkit
Developed in partnership with a national coalition of parents, educators, mental health professionals, and physicians, this toolkit aims to help you educate state lawmakers about children's mental health in America.

Understanding Your State Legislator
Written by James MacIntyre, M.D., this article provides practical tips to help you better understand your state legislators and guidelines on effective communication.

Organizing Forums on Children's Health
This tool is intended to help AACAP Regional Organizations organize and implement forums to raise awareness of children's mental health issues in their states.

2017 Advocacy and Collaboration Grants

The deadline to apply for this grant opportunity has passed. Please look for 2018 grant applications in the Fall of 2017.

As part of AACAP's initiative to support local and state advocacy, regional organizations can apply for an Advocacy and Collaboration Grant, awards of up to $3,000, to help support new advocacy work and improve collaboration with allied professional organizations. Applications are typically due in January of each year.

This grant opportunity is intended to help Regional Organizations engage in advocacy activities to improve children's mental health care in their state or community, and require collaboration with allied consumer or professional organizations. AACAP's AEC reviews all applications and makes final award decisions. First-time applicants are encouraged to apply.

For any questions about this grant opportunity for AACAP's regional organizations, please email gov@aacap.org.